Protein arrays

Scan medium or low density commercial protein arrays or home made arrays

DNA microarrays have provided a breakthrough in measuring expression levels of genes. However, for predicting the reality of cellular pathways, the transcription level is not enough. In fact, taking into account post-translational modifications, which are of paramount importance for protein activity, becomes necessary.

Based on DNA microarrays, protein arrays were slowed by some bottlenecks regarding the preservation of proteins activities. A support with maximal binding and specificity for the probes must be provided. Preventing denaturation, while maintaining the protein in its native conformation, is of highest importance. In order to maintain the structure and activity of proteins, different surface chemistries are now available on the market. With an InnoScan 710 scanner, users can read medium or low density commercial protein arrays or home made arrays. We recommend the InnoScan 710-IR for nitrocellulose-coated slides or with any substrates containing a high background fluorescence level. This device enables the user to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity by exciting fluorophores in the near infrared spectrum, thus limiting background noise from the substrate.

For higher density arrays, Innopsys offers a top-of-the-line scanner: InnoScan 910. To increase the signal-to-noise ratio which is generally lower on protein arrays (higher background noise), arrays based on nanotechnology have been developed. These "nano-arrays" have demonstrated that they maintain the structure and activity of proteins better. To read this new microarray type, requiring high resolution, InnoScan 910 is the optimum solution